WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement this morning:

“It is with profound sadness that I learned yesterday of the passing of Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about and worked tirelessly on behalf of her constituents in California’s 37th Congressional District and our nation.

“Congresswoman Millender-McDonald truly was a pioneer in many ways, becoming the first African American woman in history to chair a committee in Congress, the House Administration Committee. She also was the first African American woman to serve on the Carson City Council, and the first to chair two committees in the California State Assembly.

“During her seven terms in Congress, Juanita Millender-McDonald distinguished herself as a passionate, strong advocate on a range of issues – from ensuring equal rights for women and minorities, to improving our education system and combating poverty, to protecting voting rights, to stopping the genocide in Darfur.

“The dignity with which Congresswoman Millender-McDonald confronted her illness was typical of the graceful manner with which she carried herself on Capitol Hill. I especially want to extend my condolences to Congresswoman Millender-McDonald’s husband, James, as well as her five children and her grandchildren.”